Improvement in folding tables



G. W. GATES.

FOLDING-TABLE.

Patented June 19, 1877.

N.PETER$. PHOTO-LITHOGHAFHEH, WASHINGTCN. D. C. y

vGEORGE W. GATES, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

IMPROVEMENT IN FoLmNeTABLi-:s

Specification forming part of 'Letters Patent No. 192,252, dated June19, 1877; application led vApril 3, 1876.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, GEORGE W. GATES, of thecity and county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Folding Tables; and l do herebydeclare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description ofthe saine, reference being had to the accompanyi ingdrawings, which forma part of this specification, and in which- Figure l represents a frontview of my improved folding table. Fig. 2 represents a bottom view' ofthe same when folded; Fig. 3, a side view when folded; Fig. 4, a planview (half bottom and half top) of the folding legs or feet, and Fig. 5a central vertical section of the standard.

This invention relates to that class of tables used as ladiescutting-tables, and for similar purposes 5 the object thereof being toprovide a convenient and serviceable central-standard table of neatappearance, and capable of being folded into small space.

My invention consists in certain improvements in folding-tables, withspecial reference to the manner of combining the supportingstandard andtable-top, and to the construction and method of expanding` and foldingthe feet or legs, as hereinafter setforth.

In the drawings, A denotes the tabletop. B indicates the centralsupporting column or standard, which is formed in two parts-the part B1being-a tubesliding into the part B2, where it can-be held at anyadjusted position by the clamp-screw b, which closes the slotted upperend of the part B2 rmly against its outer surface.

The head Cof the standard is made with a disk-face, against which theslide-piece D is clamped, at any'adj'ustlnent, by the check nut or screwc, the slide D being provided with a disk-face to match that of the headC. The slide D is fitted to work on the flanged way or plate E, whichlatter is securely fastened to the under side of the table-top A, asindicated. Said slidc D can be adjusted at any position along the way Eby a clamp device or screw, d.

F F indicate the legs or feet on which the central standard B issupported. Said legs are hinged to the lower part B2 of the standard byboltsV f, which pass through suitable ears or lugs on the sides thereofin the manner illustrated. The legs F are, in the present instance,hinged in pairs, the hinges being set' in such manner that each pair oflegs can parallel planes to each other. (See Figs. 2 and 3.)

Flat segmental pieces Gr are hinged to one of each pair of thelegs, asat g, and provided with bolts or spring-catches i, whereby they can belocked to the other legs. These segmental pieces G, when the table isexpanded, swing up between the legs, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4, and holdthe legs extended, while they also serve as shelves on which to laysmall articles, such as" spools, scissors,v&c. When the table is folded,said segments G lie flat and close in the space between the legs, asindicated in Figs. 2 and 3. The legs F F are prevented from. opening toa greater distance than the width of the segments G by their endsstriking and resting against the the standard B by a compound hinge, ifdes;red, so that all of the legs can be folded around to one side.

H indicates a coiled wire-spring arranged in the interior of thestandard, which spring serves to counterbalauce the table-top A when thestandard-clamp b is released, thus obviating the necessity of liftingthe weight 0f the top when adjusting the height of the table.

K K denote metal stiffening-bars for preventing the warping of thetable-top. The ears have slotted openings for the attachingscrews toallow for their movement by the shrinking and swelling of the wood-work.

Vhen the table is folded the parts are in position, as shown in Figs. 2and 3.V Then, to expand the table, the screws c and d are loosened, theslide D moved to a central position along the way E, and there clamped;the standard B is then raised to a position perpendicular to the top A,and also clamped by the screw c the` segmentsG are then swung intoposition between the legs F, and the table placed in an upright positionready for use, as shown in Fig. l.

be folded together, and all the legs laid in.

lstandard B. The legs F may be joined with I do not herein claim theinvention of a slotted tubular clamp and set-screw for retaining anadjustable central standard.

Having described my improvements in folding table, what I claim thereinas new and of my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In combination with the table-top A, an adjustable rotatingsupporting-column, provided with hinged feet or legs, and having alaterally movable and adjustable connection with the table-top and ahinged head or adjusting-joint device, C, whereby the column, legs, andtop can be folded or closed together, substantially in the mannerdescribed.

2. The combination, with the standard B and hinged legs F, of the hingedsegments G, substantially7 as and for the purpose set forth.

3. In combination, substantially as described, the standard B1 B2,hinged legs F, segments G, adjusting-head C, slide D, plate E, table-topA, spring H, and clamp devices b o d, for the purposes set forth.

GEORGE W. GATES.

Witnesses:

GHAs. H. BURLEIGH, GEO. J. MoWRY.

